Expert Comparison: Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis · Women's · 2023 vs Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis · Women's · 2024
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In this comparison, we are looking at the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis for women, specifically the 2023 and 2024 models. Both skis are praised for their versatility, agility, and ability to handle demanding terrain, speed, and long curves. They are lightweight, with suspension tips and tails that offer composure, increased flotation, and protection off-piste. The full tip-to-tail wood core provides ease in ascents and descents, making them perfect for backcountry skiing. However, there are subtle differences between the two models that may influence a buyer's decision. The 2023 model is noted for its lively and lightweight design, while the 2024 model features a titanal plate underfoot for a stable, damp ride. Both skis are excellent choices, but the best one for you will depend on your specific skiing style and preferences.
The Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis 2023 model is a versatile all-mountain cruiser that is forgiving in various snow conditions. It offers good float in deeper snow and agile, quick edge-to-edge transitions on firm snow. This ski is lively and lightweight, providing a fun skiing experience with good pop. It is designed to perform short turns while maintaining a long high-speed carve, thanks to its three side cuts. The slightly flared out tips and tails give the ski plenty of float in off-piste conditions and the ability to handle some powder. The lightweight tip-to-tail wood core makes it an appealing backcountry option, weighing around 1300 grams per ski. This ski is perfect for intermediate skiers looking to progress into more challenging terrain.
No titanal makes the new Volkl Blaze 86 a more lively ski with lower weight and more pop. Three side cuts let the ski perform short turns while being able to maintain a long high speed carve. Slightly flaired out tips and tails give the ski plenty of float in off piste conditions and be able to handle some powder. It's lightweight tip to tail wood core also makes it an appealing backcountry option at around 1300 grams per ski.
No titanal makes the new Volkl Blaze 86 a more lively ski with lower weight and more pop. Three side cuts let the ski perform short turns while being able to maintain a long high speed carve. Slightly flaired out tips and tails give the ski plenty of float in off piste conditions and be able to handle some powder. It's lightweight tip to tail wood core also makes it an appealing backcountry option at around 1300 grams per ski.
Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
The Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis 2024 model is also a versatile and agile ski, but it features a titanal plate underfoot. This creates a stable, damp ride while keeping the tips and tails more forgiving. These skis are easy to ski with a 3D turn radius, and they perform well in both short and longer radius turns. However, they may chatter a bit at higher speeds due to the metal only being underfoot. This model is a lighter option for anyone looking for maximum control while skiing. It is also a great fit for women who want a ski that won't beat them up, thanks to its lighter design with titanal only underfoot.
Wood core ski with a titanal plate underfoot. This creates a stable damp ride while keeping the tips and tails more forgiving. These are an easy skiing ski with the 3D turn radius. They like short turns as well as longer radius turns. They'll chatter a bit at higher speeds due to the metal only under foot. These are a lighter option for anyone looking for max control while skiing.
Wood core ski with a titanal plate underfoot. This creates a stable damp ride while keeping the tips and tails more forgiving. These are an easy skiing ski with the 3D turn radius. They like short turns as well as longer radius turns. They'll chatter a bit at higher speeds due to the metal only under foot. These are a lighter option for anyone looking for max control while skiing.
Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis · Women's · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the 2023 and 2024 models of the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis are designed for women who want a versatile and agile ski that can handle demanding terrain, speed, and long curves. They both feature a lightweight design and suspension tips and tails that offer composure, increased flotation, and protection off-piste. The full tip-to-tail wood core in both models provides ease in ascents and descents, making them perfect for backcountry skiing. Both models are also praised for their ability to perform short turns while maintaining a long high-speed carve.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both models are similar in many ways, there are a few key differences. The 2023 model is noted for its lively and lightweight design, making it a great choice for skiers who value agility and quick transitions. On the other hand, the 2024 model features a titanal plate underfoot, providing a stable, damp ride. This makes it a good option for skiers who prefer a more controlled, forgiving ski. The 2023 model is ideal for intermediate skiers looking to progress into more challenging terrain, while the 2024 model is perfect for those seeking maximum control and a ski that won't beat them up.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility and agility, both models perform exceptionally well. However, the 2023 model's lively and lightweight design gives it a slight edge in this category. For stability, the 2024 model with its titanal plate underfoot takes the lead. In terms of weight, the 2023 model is the winner due to its lighter design. Finally, for control, the 2024 model's forgiving nature and stable ride make it the top choice.
Comparison Table
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $329.99 40% off | from:$329.99 40% off |
The Curated Take | -- | Best for women seeking a versatile, agile ski for demanding terrain. |
Ski type | All Mountain, Freeride | All Mountain, Backcountry |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
Tail profile | Partial twin tip | Partial twin tip |
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis 2023 and 2024 models are excellent choices for women who want a versatile and agile ski. The best model for you will depend on your specific skiing style and preferences. If you value a lively and lightweight ski, the 2023 model may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a stable, damp ride with maximum control, the 2024 model with its titanal plate underfoot may be more suitable. Regardless of the model you choose, you can expect a high-quality ski that offers composure, increased flotation, and protection off-piste.
